Latest Wrinkle In Facial Fillers

Anita Brikman reporting

November 28, 2006 — A new skin smoother is available just in time for a pre-holiday party pick-me-up. And both men and women are using it.

“I just turned 40 and I really don’t want to look it.”

Linda Latham makes no apologies for wanting to look her best.

Neither does Bob Bernardi. As a public official in Burlington County, New Jersey, he knows that first impressions count.

“I’d be lying to you if I said that doesn’t enter your mind from time to time when you get in front of a camera,” said Bernardi.

Both Linda and Bob hope to ease the creases around their mouths with Juvederm, newly available wrinkle filler. Juvederm is made from hyaluronic acid, which is one of the compounds in our own skin. That’s the same key ingredient in Restylane, the leading facial filler.

But doctors who’ve used both already see some advantages to Juvederm.

“It goes in smoothly, and we can shape it a little bit after its injection,” said Dr. Marc Cohen.

“There’s less chance of lumps and bumps. It’s probably a little more comfortable for the patient,” said Dr. Timothy Greco.

Doctors say Juvederm is ideal for the folds that develop from the nose to the corner of the mouth. But there are other uses.

“For lips, for chin depressions, for plumping up cheeks,” said Dr. Greco.

You can even use it to minimize circles under the eyes.

A topical numbing cream is needed before the injections; afterward, there’s some redness and possible bruising. But most patients can go back to work the same day. The results should last at least 6 months.